When building a high-performance audio system, adding a powered subwoofer can dramatically improve your listening experience by reproducing the deep bass that standard speakers often miss. Today, we're comparing two popular premium options: the compact and precise SVS SB-1000 Pro ($665) and the powerful Klipsch RP-1400SW ($736).
Powered subwoofers have evolved significantly over the past decade. They now incorporate sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP), efficient Class D amplifiers, and advanced driver materials to deliver deeper, cleaner bass than ever before. Both of these models, released within the last two years, showcase the latest technologies in their respective design philosophies.
The key to choosing between them lies in understanding how their different approaches affect real-world performance. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro takes a sealed-box approach, which means the driver operates in a completely enclosed cabinet. This design typically offers tighter, more controlled bass at the expense of maximum output. SVS has enhanced this traditional design with their 50MHz Analog Devices DSP chip and smartphone app control, allowing precise tuning from your listening position.
In contrast, the Klipsch RP-1400SW uses a ported design with a front-firing slot port. This approach typically allows for higher output levels and deeper bass extension from a given driver size. Klipsch has employed their proprietary Aerofoil port design to minimize the "chuffing" noise that can plague ported subwoofers at high volumes.
The size difference between these units is substantial and could be a deciding factor for many:
The SVS's compact size makes it significantly more flexible for placement, especially in smaller rooms or where aesthetics are a priority. Its sealed design also means it can be placed closer to walls without issues.
The Klipsch requires more careful placement due to its port and larger size, but this extra cabinet volume contributes to its higher output capability.
The SVS extends down to 20Hz, while the Klipsch reaches slightly lower to 16Hz. However, numbers don't tell the whole story - it's how they achieve these frequencies that matters:
Both subwoofers use modern Class D amplifiers, but with different power ratings:
The power difference isn't as significant as it might appear. The SVS's sealed design is typically more efficient with power usage, while the Klipsch needs more power to drive its larger driver and compensate for the ported design's characteristics.
Here we see a significant divergence in approach:
The SVS SB-1000 Pro offers sophisticated app control with:
The Klipsch RP-1400SW provides traditional controls:
For music, the SVS shows its strengths in accuracy and detail. Bass lines in jazz and classical music remain distinct and natural. The sealed design helps maintain tight control over bass notes, preventing them from bleeding into each other.
The Klipsch can deliver more impact for electronic music and rock, but some listeners might find it less precise for acoustic genres. Its larger driver size can move more air, creating a more physical sensation at higher volumes.
Both subwoofers excel in home theater applications, but with different characteristics:
The SVS SB-1000 Pro provides:
The Klipsch RP-1400SW delivers:
At similar price points ($665 for SVS vs $736 for Klipsch), both offer excellent value but for different users:
The SVS justifies its price through:
The Klipsch earns its cost via:
Choose the SVS SB-1000 Pro if you:
Choose the Klipsch RP-1400SW if you:
Both subwoofers represent excellent values in the premium subwoofer market, but they serve different needs. The SVS SB-1000 Pro excels in accuracy and control, making it ideal for critical listening and smaller spaces. The Klipsch RP-1400SW shines in raw power and impact, perfect for home theater enthusiasts with larger rooms.
Consider your room size, primary use case, and control preferences when making your choice. Either way, both represent significant upgrades over entry-level subwoofers and will provide years of enjoyable bass response for your audio system.
| SVS SB-1000 Pro | Klipsch RP-1400SW |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed box (tighter, more controlled bass) | Ported (higher output, requires more space from walls) |
| Driver Size - Impacts maximum output and low frequency capability | |
| 12-inch high-excursion driver | 14-inch Cerametallic woofer |
| Amplifier Power - Determines dynamic range and headroom | |
| 325W RMS / 820W peak | 500W RMS / 1000W peak |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass extension capabilities | |
| 20-270 Hz (±3dB) | 16-141 Hz (±3dB) |
| Cabinet Dimensions - Critical for room placement | |
| 13.5" H x 13" W x 14.76" D (compact) | 21.34" H x 20" W x 25.67" D (large) |
| Weight - Affects stability and portability | |
| 26 lbs | 83.7 lbs |
| Control Interface - Impacts setup and adjustment ease | |
| Smartphone app with 3-band PEQ, presets | Traditional knobs, basic controls |
| Special Features - Adds functionality and value | |
| Advanced DSP, custom presets, room correction | WA-2 wireless capability (optional), front-slot port |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $665 (premium features, compact size) | $736 (higher power, larger driver) |
| Recommended Room Size - Crucial for performance match | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 300 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (300+ sq ft) |
| Best Use Case - Helps match to user needs | |
| Music and precise home theater, detailed bass | Home theater focus, maximum impact |
The SVS SB-1000 Pro is generally better for music due to its tighter, more controlled bass response and sealed design. While the Klipsch RP-1400SW can play louder, the SVS offers more precise and accurate bass reproduction that music listeners typically prefer.
The Klipsch RP-1400SW is better suited for large rooms due to its higher power output (500W RMS vs 325W RMS) and larger 14-inch driver. The SVS is better optimized for small to medium-sized spaces.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro offers more flexible placement options due to its compact size and sealed design. The Klipsch requires more careful placement due to its front-firing port and larger cabinet size.
The Klipsch RP-1400SW extends slightly lower to 16Hz compared to the SVS's 20Hz. However, both deliver excellent deep bass performance that will satisfy most listeners.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro offers excellent value at $665, especially considering its advanced features like app control, DSP, and precise bass control. Its build quality and performance justify the premium price.
The Klipsch RP-1400SW typically performs better for home theater due to its higher output capability and deeper bass extension, making it ideal for movie explosions and effects. However, the SVS still performs admirably in this role for smaller rooms.
Only the SVS SB-1000 Pro requires a smartphone for advanced features and setup. The Klipsch uses traditional knob controls and doesn't require any app.
The Klipsch RP-1400SW has simpler initial setup with basic knob controls. While the SVS offers more precise setup options through its app, this can be more complex for some users.
The Klipsch RP-1400SW supports wireless connection with an optional WA-2 kit. The SVS SB-1000 Pro requires a wired connection.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro is better suited for apartment living due to its smaller size and more controlled bass output, which is less likely to disturb neighbors.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro excels with detailed music like jazz and classical, while the Klipsch RP-1400SW might be preferred for rock and electronic music where maximum impact is desired.
Both subwoofers work well for gaming, but the Klipsch RP-1400SW might have an edge for action games due to its higher output, while the SVS SB-1000 Pro might be preferred for a more balanced gaming experience in smaller rooms.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: hometheaterhifi.com - dreamediaav.com - youtube.com - hifisoundenthusiast.com - projectorscreenstore.com - audioholics.com - svsound.ca - svsound.com - projectorscreen.com - svsound.com - audioadvice.com - bhphotovideo.com - avsforum.com - audioadvice.com - avsforum.com - audioholics.com - crutchfield.com - worldwidestereo.com - bestbuy.com - walts.com - klipsch.ca - assets.klipsch.com
